It is designed to help veterans better manage their health care and make informed decisions in collaboration with their health-care providers.

With My HealtheVet, registrants can access local VA events and activities, personal health journals, tracking and graphing of vitals, military health history, and food and activity journals. Through this resource, veterans will be able to access a single source of trusted health information.

As part of the My HealtheVet security measures, you will be asked to verify your identity in person at a VA medical center or community-based outpatient clinic. You will be required to view an orientation video and complete and submit a VA form 10-5345a along with a copy of a valid, government-issued photo identification card.

Another online service, eBenefits, is a joint VA/Department of Defense Web portal that provides resources and self-service capabilities to research, access and manage VA and military benefits and personal information.

It also provides a list of links to other sites that provide information about military and veteran benefits. It is an essential way to access and get service from VA and the Defense Department.

Some of the features of eBenefits allow veterans and service members to access official military personnel documents, view the status of a disability compensation claim, transfer entitlement of post-Sept. 11 GI Bill to eligible dependents (service members only) and register for and update direct-deposit information for certain benefits.

You can register for an eBenefits account on the My HealtheVet website. There are two types of registration: basic and premium.

A premium eBenefits account gives you the highest level of access to eBenefits features. You can view personal data, apply for benefits online, check the status of claims, update address records and more.

To get a premium account, you must verify your identity. Many people can do so by answering a few security questions. Service members may verify their identity online by using their Common Access Card. Military retirees may verify their identity online using their Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) logon.

Those unable to verify their identity online instantly will receive a basic account. A basic account lets you customize the site and access information you enter into eBenefits yourself; however, you can’t see your personal information in VA or Defense systems.

There are other options, though. Veterans who receive VA benefits through direct deposit may have their identity verified by calling (800) 827-1000 and selecting option 7.

My HealtheVet users may use their secure My HealtheVet identity to obtain an eBenefits account. Others may need to visit a VA regional office or TriCare Service Center to have their identities verified in person.

Richard Schleeter is the veterans service officer for the La Plata County Veterans Service Office. He can be reached at 759-0117 or schleeterrs@co.laplata.co.us.

For more information

The La Plata County Veterans Service Office provides information and assis­tance to veterans and their families. For more information, visit the county website at www.co.laplata.co.us and type “veterans services” in the search window. The Veterans Service Office and the Durango VA Clinic are located at 1970 East Third Ave. The office phone number is 759-0117. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays except holidays. Appointments are encouraged. To schedule an appoint­ment, call 382-6150. For clinic appointments, call 247-2214.

Help for vets

The Veterans Crisis Line offers free, confidential support to veterans, family and friends. Call (800) 273-8255 and press 1. You also can text professional responders at 838255 or chat online at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net.